Casualties unknown

2002-05-15: Cessna 152 (N93989) — Valdosta, GA

Valdosta, GA, US

On May 15, 2002, a Cessna 152 (registration N93989) was involved in an aviation accident near Valdosta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during takeoff, resulting in an on ground encounter with an adjacent ditch and a collapsed nose gear strut during the attempt to abort the takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that while rotating for takeoff on runway 17, the aircraft yawed left, exited the runway, and collided with a ditch. The nose gear strut collapsed, the firewall buckled, and the left wing spar bent.

Incident Overview

According to the student pilot, during rotation for takeoff from runway 17, the aircraft yawed left when the nose wheel lifted off the runway surface. The reported surface wind was from 130 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot then reduced power to idle and applied brakes after the aircraft exited the left edge of the runway. However, the grass surface provided little decelerative effect, and the aircraft collided with a ditch.

Damage Assessment

The collision resulted in the collapse of the nose gear strut, buckling of the firewall, and bending of the left wing spar. The specific aircraft type, registration, and operator were not reported in the source material.

Conditions

The incident occurred during a takeoff attempt on runway 17. No information was provided regarding time of day, weather characterization, or ATC involvement. No injuries were reported in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020703X01046. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.